Wilk, B., & Bar-Or, O. (1998). Prevention of voluntary dehydration in men exercising in the heat. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 1894.

This study assessed whether flavoring and addition of NaCl-CHO to water would prevent dehydration in young adult males (N = 12). One of three beverages was presented in each session: unflavored water, flavored water, and flavored water with 18 mM/l of NaCl plus 6% CHO, all chilled to 8-10 degrees Celsius. Drinking was on demand. A three-hour exercise protocol consisted of four 20-min cycling bouts at 50%VO2max, with a 25-min rest after each bout.

Voluntary drink intake was significantly higher in both the flavored water and flavored water/NaCl/CHO conditions. There were no differences in sweat rate or urine excretion between the conditions. Both flavored and flavored/NaCl/CHO water almost abolished voluntary dehydration in young men exercising over an extended period.

Implication. Flavored water fortified with NaCl and CHO reduces the likelihood of dehydration over long periods of exercise involvement.

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